Quickly, I hurried to the Weaver's hut, which was located on the far side of town. My face still throbbed from the blow I received from Master Grangerlous this morning. As I remembered my visage, I closed my cloak tighter around me to avoid anymore eye contact with strangers. I could feel people staring at me, which I can't blame them for doing. It must appear strange for a person to walk about concealing themselves.

People probably expect I have a disease. After a thirty minute trek, I arrived and hurry through the door.

"'Bout time you showed up!" the weaver barked at me, his face swelling and red. "Been nearly an hour ya lazy git! Ain't got time for ya now, 'cause I have to be pickin' up a shipment that arrived late. I expect to be an hour, and I'm a man of my keepings, so come back when I'm through and not a moment later, ya hear?!"

"Yes sir, not a moment too late!" I squeaked under the protection of my shroud.

"Aye, then, I'll be a goin' now, but, why are ya hidin' your face? Have ya fallin' ill? I don't want a diseased vermin buying from my business! Get out!!!"

"Oh, no sir! Please don't!" I pleaded. My nerves on edge, I revealed my face to him. "I'm not ill; I just fell down the stairs this morning while polishing them is all. I'm in good health and will leave until you return."

After he examined me closely, protecting his own face from any disease with a cotton handkerchief, he believed, leaving me to wander around the streets for a time. With extra time on my hands, I decided to get another chore out of the way, so I headed to buy some fabric for my Mistress's new gown I was to sew. After I purchased it, I didn't know where else to go, so I headed for the fountain in the town's square to think and reflect. I sat down and closed my eyes, never wanting to open them again. I reflected on my life and often I thought about events and problems I was faced with, but my mind kept coming back to James. I did miss him; he was the only friend I had ever known. If only I could see him one more time.....

I was interrupted by the sloshing sound of a horse drinking beside me. I looked up to see who had interrupted my contemplation and saw a young man not five feet away, waiting for his horse to finish with its imbibe. He was incredibly handsome, and well dressed something you don't find here in this town, but rather in the city near the castle. His flaxen hair danced in the wind and his proverbial misty-blue eyes scanned the people as they sauntered by. He didn't notice me sitting here; all I could observe was his profile as his tall figure leaned up against his horse. Prepared to leave, I stood up to make an escape, but in doing this, I startled his horse and the young man turned to face me.

"Forgive me, I...I wasn't watching where I was going." I stuttered softly, not making eye contact.

"It's alright, please stay and rest, I will be on my way in a minute." He said reassuringly, looking at the covering over my features.

Looking at him reminded me of someone I had seen, but who, I didn't know. His eyes pierced through me like a knife through a deeply reviled enemy. My breath quickened and I sat down to revive myself. As I did this, the young man ran swiftly to my side, and put his hand on my shoulder.

"Did I frighten you?" his voice sounding apologetic. Then, seeing my clothes, he said, "If there is anything I can help you with, all you need to do is ask."

I moved my head slightly to glance at him and my cloak slipped revealing my bruised appearance. Staring into his youthful eyes, I didn't even notice it fall. His eyes gathered concern as he looked my face over. Seeing his expression made me realize my face was in clear view. I slipped away from his grasp and flew down the street, forgetting my fabric by the fountain. Being much faster than me, he caught up with me in a matter of seconds, bearing my forgotten belongings.

"Wait Miss! I believe these belong to you." He smiled as he gave them to me.

His smile was so warm and comforting that, even though my face was showing, I couldn't help but smile back. Like his eyes, his smile was familiar to me, and as I took my things, I asked him his name and if we had met before somewhere.

"My name is William, but I haven't been to this town since I was a boy. I beg your Pardon for the misunderstanding." He remorsefully responded, now smiling sympathetically.

"Oh, I see." I said, disappointed. With that I thanked him for my returned possessions.

With a bow and a valediction, he mounted his horse and rode away into the east. I Then, judging by the Sun in the sky, made hast to the Weaver's hut.